Personal digital assistant device with stylus

ABSTRACT

A portable stylus information input processing apparatus ( 1 ) with a removable stylus ( 2 ) and a stylus housing ( 9 ), a user-interface (UI) ( 3 ), said apparatus comprising a computer program for running a user-interactive application on or via the apparatus, or a means for inputting such a computer program, interaction taking place by contact between the stylus and the user interface (UI), characterized in that the apparatus comprises means for generating a release signal ( 6 ) generated by a program run on or via the apparatus to release the stylus, the stylus housing comprising a receiver for receiving said release signal and a release mechanism ( 7 ) for releasing the stylus in response to the release signal.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a portable stylus information input processingapparatus, with a removable stylus and a stylus housing and a userinterface (UI), said apparatus comprising a computer program for runninga user interactive application on or via the apparatus, or a means forinputting such a computer program, interaction taking place by contactbetween the stylus and the user interface (UI).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A portable stylus information input processing apparatus is a computeror communication device which is small and light enough to be carried bya person. It is so small that a full-alphabet keyboard would have keysso small as to be of little use. Accordingly, the stylus informationinput processing apparatus includes a removable stylus. The user pressesthe stylus onto a User Interface (UI), e.g. comprising a touch screen.In this manner, interaction takes place between the user and the stylusinformation input processing apparatus, by which interaction a userinteractive application can be controlled by the user or data can besupplied to said application. To this end, the stylus information inputprocessing apparatus comprises a program, or means to input a programfor running an interactive application on or via the stylus informationinput processing apparatus. The UI is sensitive to contact between thestylus and the UI, e.g. pressure-sensitive to the touch of the stylus,so that the user may enter data to interact. The UI is also a monitor,and thus can display data as well. Within the framework of theinvention, a stylus input information processing apparatus is to beunderstood to include a wide range of devices, PDAs (Personal DigitalAssistant) and also handheld devices such as pocket PCs, smart remotes,organisers, MP3 players, multi-media handheld devices, etc., providedthat the portable apparatus or device comprises a User Interface (UI)with which the stylus can be brought into contact to input data into thedevice to interact with an application run on or via the device and aprogram for running a user interactive application on or via the PDA ormeans to input such a program. The stylus, when not in use, is housed ina stylus housing. The stylus may be removed and inserted into thehousing. To this end, some portable stylus information input processingapparatuses currently on the market have a housing with lock and releasesystems, some with a spring mechanism.

Portable stylus information input processing apparatuses are known inwhich insertion/removal of the stylus activates an on/off switch of theapparatus so that, when the stylus is removed from the housing, theapparatus is activated or when it is put back into the housing, theapparatus is deactivated.

However, there is little or no interaction between the applicationrunning on or via the apparatus and retrieval of the stylus. There islittle or no flexibility in this respect.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to increase the possibilities andflexibility of the apparatus in respect of interaction with the user.

To this end, the apparatus comprises means for generating a releasesignal generated by a program run on or via the apparatus to release thestylus, the stylus housing comprising a receiver for receiving saidrelease signal and a release mechanism for releasing the stylus inresponse to the release signal.

In the known apparatus, there is no logical link between the program orapplication running on the apparatus and stylus releasing mechanism.

The stylus storing/release mechanism is totally separated from the partsof the apparatus that give added value to the user (micro-controller,application buttons, SW, screen, touch screen, speaker, . . . ). Theseparts will also be referred to as the heart of the apparatus. In adevice in accordance with the invention, the apparatus comprises meansfor generating a release signal generated by a program run on or via theapparatus to release the stylus, the stylus housing comprising areceiver for receiving said release signal and a release mechanism forreleasing the stylus in response to the release signal.

In the apparatus in accordance with the invention, there is a logicallink between the application running on or via the apparatus and therelease mechanism. Linking the stylus release mechanism to theapplication running on or via the apparatus gives an added value to theuser by offering him the possibility to take/launch the stylus on hisown request (in a first embodiment), or by having the applicationrunning on the apparatus decide that the user needs a stylus and havethe stylus launched automatically (in a second embodiment). Theadvantage of having an application running on or via the apparatusdeciding that the user needs the stylus is that the stylus is used onlywhen it is necessary or advisable, reducing wear on the UI and reducingthe risk that the stylus is lost.

Within the concept of the invention a ‘means for generating’ is to bebroadly understood and comprise e.g. any piece of hardware, any circuitor sub-circuit designed for performing a conversion, imposition,rendition as described as well as any piece of software (computerprogram or sub-program or set of computer programs, or program code(s))designed or programmed to perform a generation in accordance with theinvention as well as any combination of pieces of hardware and softwareacting as such, alone or in combination, without being restricted to theembodiments given below by way of example. The apparatus may itself holdprograms with which an application may be run (in which case theapplication is run on the apparatus), or the apparatus may provide alink between the user and an application which is itself run on adifferent device, e.g. via the internet, in which case the applicationis run via the apparatus.

The invention is also embodied in any computer program comprisingprogram code means for use in an apparatus in accordance with theinvention as well as in any computer program product comprising programcode means stored on a computer readable medium for use in an apparatusin accordance with the invention.

These and other aspects of the invention are apparent from and will beelucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a portable stylus information input processingapparatus, in this case a PDA.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a portable stylus information inputprocessing apparatus, in this example a PDA, in accordance with theinvention

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a PDA on which a program is running withdifferent levels

FIG. 4 illustrates a PDA showing on the User Interface a soft button bywhich means release of the stylus may be initiated.

The figures are not drawn to scale. Generally, identical components aredenoted by the same reference numerals in the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a portable stylus information input processing apparatus,in this case a PDA 1 having a stylus 2 and a user interface 3. Portablestylus information input processing apparatuses such as compact handhelddevices commonly referred to as PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) devicesor handheld computers (which within the framework of the invention arealso denoted PDAs) have a pen-like stylus to actuate menu items shown ona display screen of the device by touching an icon appearing on thescreen. Within the framework of the invention, a portable stylusinformation input processing apparatus is to be understood to includeany stylus input information processing apparatus or device, includingPDAs and handheld devices such as pocket PCs, smart remotes, organisers,MP3 players, multi-media handheld devices, etc., provided that theapparatus or device comprises a User Interface (UI) with which thestylus can make contact to input data into the apparatus to interactwith an application run on or via the apparatus and a program forrunning a user-interactive application on or via the apparatus or meansto input such a program. An application run on or via the apparatusincludes applications that are loaded into the apparatus itself as wellas applications which are run on another device but for which theapparatus forms a communication means (link) with the application. Thelatter may be, for instance, the case when a link is made via theapparatus with a site on the internet having an application. The stylusmay also be used for inputting information to the device by writing ordrawing on the display screen directly. In both cases, the userinteracts with the application running on or via the apparatus. In theexamples given below, a PDA is shown as an example of a portable stylusinformation input processing apparatus. The invention, however, as wellas all features are not restricted to a PDA, unless specifically stated.

FIG. 2 schematically shows a PDA in accordance with the invention.

The PDA comprises a User Interface (UI) 3, a stylus 2 in a stylushousing 9. The stylus housing comprises a release mechanism 7 for thestylus. In embodiments, the mechanism may also be used to lock thestylus in the housing, in which cases the mechanism is a lock/releasemechanism. Furthermore, there is a processing unit PU 5 loaded with aprogram or into which a program can be loaded. In the latter case, thePDA comprises a means (an interface 10) via which a program can beloaded into the processing unit. Within the framework of the invention,the manner by which means a program is loaded is not restricted to anyparticular method or the means associated with such method. The programs(or parts of programs, or program codes) may be installed in thefactory, downloaded via the internet, via a telephone line, or by anyother method or means.

The processing unit and the release mechanism are coupled, i.e. the PDAhas means for providing a release signal 6 generated by an applicationrun on or via the PDA to the lock/release mechanism 7.

Thus, there is provided a logical link between the application run on orvia the PDA and the release of the stylus.

Linking of the stylus storing/launching part to the heart of the PDA canbe done in various ways. Below is a limited list of possible solutions(again this list is only provided for clarification and should not beconsidered to be restrictive) within embodiments of the PDA inaccordance with the invention:

-   -   The stylus releasing mechanism part can be or may comprise:        -   A mechanical spring system that provides a lock mechanism to            prevent the stylus from falling out.        -   An electromechanical system including a motor linked to a            mechanical construction holding the stylus.        -   A magnetic system keeping the stylus in position when            stored. When reverse polarised, the stylus will be pushed            away.        -   A “muscle wire” that is deforming (getting shorter and            longer) by heating/cooling the wire (by means of electric            current).    -   Possible stylus lock mechanisms can be:        -   A pin preventing the stylus from jumping/falling out        -   A magnetic lock        -   A cover on top of the stylus        -   A motor linked to a mechanical construction holding the            stylus position    -   The link between the stylus releasing mechanism and the heart of        the PDA providing the logical link between an application run on        the PDA will generally be an electrical connection. However,        other means are possible, such as wireless connections, such as        IR connections, radio frequency connections, etc.

Some examples of devices in accordance with the invention are givenbelow.

A first example is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, showing a PDA on which anapplication is run, the PDA having a touch screen LCD device with a UIthat provides different levels of control precision. The lower levels(FIG. 3A) provide relatively large icons allowing finger controlprecision. In such levels, all the control areas are big enough tocontrol with a tip of a finger.

By touching specific icons or parts on the UI, the application enters ahigher or deeper level and the screen will change to a finer gridversion (see FIG. 3B) where control needs to be or is better done usinga stylus because a finger is too big for the soft buttons. The programhas a program code which, upon occurrence of a certain event, e.g. atransition from the lower ‘finger’-coarse level to the finer levelgenerates a release signal 6 (see FIG. 2) which releases the stylus fromthe stylus housing, by activating the release mechanism 7. In thispreferred embodiment, the event is the transition of one level toanother level. Although this is a preferred embodiment within theframework of the invention, different events may trigger an embodimentstylus release. For instance:

-   -   initiation of an application (the stylus is immediately released        when a certain application is initiated). An example of this        could be, for instance, when contact is made via the PDA contact        with a site on the internet having a certain application, for        which use of the stylus is recommendable.    -   transition within an application from one level to another (the        example given above)    -   in case a chain or number of events indicates that use of a        stylus is recommendable, which may e.g. be the case when several        icons are touched substantially simultaneously, which indicates        that, for this particular user, the use of a finger no longer        suffices, and that use of the stylus is recommendable.    -   Sometimes the user does not use the stylus but some other        pointed object (a pencil for instance, which he had in his/her        hands). However, use of such “pens” may harm the device. The        form and shape of the contact area or the pressure distribution        on the UI may form an indication of the use of such “pens”. The        program may comprise a program code, which, in such an event,        causes a release of the stylus.

In another embodiment, the application generates a soft button (see FIG.4) on the U, the user can then touch the soft button, whereupon thestylus is released. The advantage is, inter alia a.o. that the user canrelease the stylus at will while keeping his eyes on the user interface.Conventional hand-operated stylus launch systems necessitate turningupside down of the PDA. The use of a soft button is more user-friendly.

In applications, both embodiments may be combined, i.e. applications arerun which provide for a soft button, to enable a user to release thestylus at will, and also releasing the stylus at the occurrence of anevent, such as e.g. transition from one level to a finer level.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the presentinvention is not limited by what has been particularly shown anddescribed hereinbefore. The invention resides in each and every novelcharacteristic feature and each and every combination of characteristicfeatures. Reference numerals in the claims do not limit their protectivescope. Use of the verb “to comprise” and its conjugations does notexclude the presence of elements other than those stated in the claims.Use of the article “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude thepresence of a plurality of such elements.

The present invention has been described in terms of specificembodiments, which are illustrative of the invention and should not beconstrued as limiting. The invention may be implemented in hardware,firmware or software, or in a combination of them. Other embodiments arewithin the scope of the following claims. For instance, in the givenembodiments a touch stylus is described and the UI is pressure sensitiveto the stylus. In embodiments, however, the UI may be light-sensitiveand the stylus may comprise a small light in the tip of the stylus. Itis also possible that electrical contact is made between the stylus andthe UI for inputting data.

1. A portable stylus information input processing apparatus (1) with aremovable stylus (2) and a stylus housing (9), a user interface (UI)(3), said apparatus comprising a computer program for running auser-interactive application on or via the apparatus, or a means forinputting such a computer program, interaction taking place by contactbetween the stylus and the user interface (UI), characterized in thatthe apparatus comprises means for generating a release signal (6)generated by a program run on or via the apparatus to release thestylus, the stylus housing comprising a receiver for receiving saidrelease signal and a release mechanism (7) for releasing the stylus inresponse to the release signal (6).
 2. An apparatus as claimed in claim1, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a program for runningan application on or via the apparatus, wherein in operation occurrenceof an event triggers the release of the stylus.
 3. An apparatus asclaimed in claim 1, characterized in that the event triggering releaseof the stylus is formed by a transition between a first level and asecond level of an application.
 4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1,characterized in that the apparatus comprises a program comprising aprogram code for displaying a soft button (11) on the User Interface,while touching said button generates a release signal.
 5. A computerprogram comprising program code means for use in a device as claimed inclaim
 1. 6. A computer program product comprising program code meansstored on a computer readable medium for use in a device as claimed inclaim 1.